Replacement for Gitzo 2531? Need to get low.

You may have already made the purchase, but if you will never use the column, an option is to cut it down to a length you find reasonable. I did that with my Gitzo. I have about 5" of centerpost travel left, but made the modification in such a way that I can still remove the post if I want. I don't use it for height, but minor adjustments when doing closeups.

https://amnotamooose.b​logspot.com …t-to-get-your-tripod.html

I use this contraption for inside closeups; Jobu Table Top Pod, edelkrone FlexTILT Head 2 (just a simple Z head - now on sale at B&H), and an Oben MFR4-5 macro focusing rail.

That’s awesome. I may have to look into one once I recover from my new iMac.

Oh, great. You're welcome.

Perhaps you could post a photo of the center column inverted if you decide to try it that way.

sawsedge wrote in post #19048018
You may have already made the purchase, but if you will never use the column, an option is to cut it down to a length you find reasonable. I did that with my Gitzo. I have about 5" of centerpost travel left, but made the modification in such a way that I can still remove the post if I want. I don't use it for height, but minor adjustments when doing closeups.

https://amnotamooose.b​logspot.com …t-to-get-your-tripod.html

Another option would be to buy a short center column. I did that with my Induro. That way he's still got the original longer one if he needs it. It wouldn't have to be a Gitzo, or even canon fiber. Maybe Induro or another cheaper brand or even an aluminum one if cost is a big factor.. I think the sizes of most brands are interchangeable. The only issue would be whether there is a groove in the column.

Here's a 2 series short aluminum center column.

https://www.adorama.co​m …_BwE&utm_source​=adl-gbase

The Benro short post is much cheaper than the options I had at the time I cut mine. Nevertheless, I have never regretted the cutting! The post that came with the Gitzo mountaineer was too long to allow even the middle click stop... not sure why they made the post so long.

sawsedge wrote in post #19048637
The Benro short post is much cheaper than the options I had at the time I cut mine. Nevertheless, I have never regretted the cutting! The post that came with the Gitzo mountaineer was too long to allow even the middle click stop... not sure why they made the post so long.

For the tall folks who do not find the legs alone to be long enough, even at full extension, and insist upon shooting at eye level for all shots.
Or for anyone who needs to set up the tripod on a downhill slope from where they stand.
Or for folks who need to use the tripod with the legs splayed out widely, and need the center column to provide a little bit of elevation.

Wilt wrote in post #19049103
For the tall folks who do not find the legs alone to be long enough, even at full extension, and insist upon shooting at eye level for all shots.
Or for anyone who needs to set up the tripod on a downhill slope from where they stand.
Or for folks who need to use the tripod with the legs splayed out widely, and need the center column to provide a little bit of elevation.

Sure, but I'd expect tall folks to get a model with taller legs. I have a very old model... the first 6x generation... first gen where the legs didn't rotate... but I think I remember they had a taller option. I could be wrong.

sawsedge wrote in post #19050138
Sure, but I'd expect tall folks to get a model with taller legs. I have a very old model... the first 6x generation... first gen where the legs didn't rotate... but I think I remember they had a taller option. I could be wrong.

Yes, the L and the XL..

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #19051472
Yes, the L and the XL..

IIRC, the XL is not offered in the 2 series, although L is. But then you also need to be willing to put up with one more leg lock to deal with (times 3) every time you set up or take down the tripod.